#that's nice and all but it's just backwards for him to think about giving zaunites something to live for

[mollysunder]

When Ekko tells Heimerdinger, "It's not enough to give people what they need to survive, you have to give them what they need to live", it falls flat to me because Heimerdinger didn't even give Zaun the first part. Heimerdinger and the Council very clearly didn't even give Zaun the bare minimum in terms of support based on the air and water quality alone (nevermind most of Zaun lives in the ground too).

Frankly, the quote applies more to how Heimerdinger treated Topside, overly cautious to prevent the mistakes of the past in a way that can stifle innovation. And it's weird that when Heimerdinger puts it into practice in Zaun it's more him building elaborate toys for children vs utilities that could help out a fledgling community like the Firelights. It's giving neglectful parent that feeds kids sweets to cheer them up instead of cooking a meal.

[jayvikbrainrot]

Jayvik drabble suggestion: like the opposite of fakae dating. They are very much dating, but because they both call each other "partner" people are surprised upon finding out

This was fun! Again some discloser I dont know dick about Runeterra or League lore, so I pulled some names from the official site. No idea if this is accurate, but just needed some sort of names to play with here. --------------------------------------------- Viktor hated parties. This was known. What he hated more was the additional social navigating that happened with foreign dignitaries.

Jayce did everything he could, from cue cards, to hand signals to try and help him, but he just didn’t have a head for it. Right now the emissaries from Demecia were testing his patience. He had counted no less than eight, (eight!), women who openly flirted with Jayce right in front of him.

Of course Jayce deflected and sidestepped every advance, gently reminding them he was there with his partner, but it was the principle of the thing.

He had resigned himself to standing in a corner and sulking for the rest of the night. He sipped on his champagne and watched Jayce like a hawk.

Jayce glanced backwards giving him an apologetic look, and seemed to excuse himself from the group. Viktor knocked back the rest of his glass as his partner approached.

“You look like a menacing gargoyle, standing in the corner like this...” He said it with a smile, as if he secretly knew Viktor would like the analogy.

“Appropriate to how I feel then.” he sulked.

“Listen, all we have to do is get through the dinner. I’ll feign a headache after and we can go home.” He put one hand on the wall behind him and leaned in close. The Demecia were a fairly touch averse culture, so Jayce was probably feeling deprived. “Have I mentioned how much I appreciate you coming tonight?”

“Mmhm.”

“And how handsome you look?” “Multiple times...” he was being a brat, but it was nice to get some attention from Jayce.

“So I probably owe you something really nice when we get home...”

“I can think of a few things...” Jayce was awfully close now. Tantalizingly just out of reach. He licked his lips, just to tease him a bit more.

“V....” Jayce whined with frustration.

Viktor smirked, it was so easy to tease him. They had been dating for about a year now, but it was always satisfying to see Jayce’s will crumble to him.

“We could find a closet somewhere, I’d love to get my hands under your-” Jayce, unfortunately, was rudely interrupted by the dinner bell. At least that meant the night would soon be over.

Jayce sighed and looked behind him at everyone filing out of the dance hall. “We should probably go too.” He gave Viktor a sidelong glance, before taking one more look at the people leaving.

He gave Viktor a smirk and then quickly pressed a peck to his temple, assured that no one was looking at them.

He gave Viktor a wink and then inclined his head to the door. Viktor rolled his eyes but fell in step with his boyfriend, hoping this would all be over soon.

--

The Demecia dishes were at least well flavored. Sour and cold, not dissimilar to some Zaunite dishes, and it made him smile just a tad to see Jayce struggling to get it down.

Once that was done it was time for more speeches, first the counsel representative, Heimerdinger took the floor, speaking to Progress of Piltover and innovation. It was generic enough that Viktor had heard it so often now he could recite it himself.

Next were the representatives from Demecia. He was a competent speaker, if not completely predictable. Talking about how hextech could improve the lives of his people, and how he looked forward to the continued alliance of their two nations. “I would like to take a moment to recognize my wife and her contributions to this union. Without her friendship to Counselor Medara, I have no doubt this arrangement would not have been as smooth and straightforward as it has been.” With this he took hold of his wife’s hand and lightly kissed her knuckles. The sign of affection sent a few whispers down the rest of the table. Jayce leaned over and whispered to Viktor, “Admiral Gavan is well known for being incredibly romantic.” Viktor had to school his face from incredulousness. This table would combust if they were to bear witness to Jayce’s normal displays of affection. “Actually that gives me an idea.”

Viktor whipped his head to look at Jayce. He knew that tone of voice, and Jayce just had a terrible idea.

Unfortunately the time to stop him came and went as he was rising for his own speech.

“Friends, countrymen, and allies, I cannot tell you how it gladdens my heart that this alliance has come to pass.

Hextech may in its infancy but it has a well and clear path ahead. From transportation, to alleviating the burdens of the common man, the applications are limitless, and I am honored that we can share its glory with the world.” He looked down at Viktor, there was a mischievousness that Viktor could not place.

“But of course none of this would be possible without my wonderful partner.” He reached out a hand intending for Viktor to stand with him. Immediately Viktor’s stomach flopped, but what else could he do but stand as well... “He has stood by me at my lowest, and has helped me create wonders beyond my wildest dreams. I love you dearest.”

Without hesitation he grabbed Viktor by the back and leaned in for a kiss. Bastard. But he couldn’t help but smile, as he heard the gasps ripple down the table. There would be hell to pay the longer they kept this up, but Viktor found he couldn’t be bothered, at least they would have some peace for the rest of the night.